Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes has revealed that she does not expect Jessica Capshaw to miss much filming while she is on maternity leave.

Rhimes told Entertainment Weekly that she believes Capshaw, who plays Arizona, may only be absent for two episodes.

"We're basically playing it by ear," she said. "If she needs more [than two episodes], she'll let me know.

"She's not a new mother - she's done this before. She feels like she's in great shape and will be physically ready to come back almost immediately. But if she decides she needs some more time, we're going to give her some more time."

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Rhimes also revealed that Capshaw's absence will be explained in a dramatic way at the end of the episode scheduled to air on October 28.